Part 8/10:
Transitioning back to the marine environment, the coastal California waters are home to kelp forests, vibrant ecosystems that play host to many species. However, these forests also face challenges from voracious sea urchins, which can decimate kelp populations. The equilibrium of this environment pivots on the presence of sea otters—keystone species adept at controlling urchin populations, enabling the kelp forest to thrive once again.